Volga 31105 is a legendary Russian sedan that is still used by thousands of car owners. But even such a reliable car can fail at the most inopportune moment, refusing to start. There are dozens of reasons for this: from a banal discharged battery to serious problems with the engine or electrical. In this article we will look at all possible malfunctionsthat interfere with startup Volgi 31105, and also give step-by-step instructions for eliminating them.

It is important to understand that diagnosis must be systematic. If you randomly check first the battery, then the spark plugs, then the fuel pump, you are wasting time. We have structured the material so that you can quickly find the root of the problem, starting from the simplest and most obvious reasons and ending with complex breakdowns. Also in the article you will find unique nuances specifically for model 31105, which do not apply to other vehicles.

1. Battery problems: first check

Let's start with the most obvious - the battery. Even if yesterday the car started without problems, today the battery could be discharged due to a current leak, a faulty generator, or simply from old age. On Volga 31105 The problem is especially common with terminal oxidation, since there is high humidity under the hood of this model due to specific ventilation.

How to check:

  • 🔋 Terminal voltage there should be no load 12.6–12.9 V. If less 12 V - the battery is discharged if below 11.5 V - deep discharge.
  • 🔌 Terminal condition: white coating or green oxide is a sign of poor contact. Clean them with sandpaper or a special brush.
  • 🔄 Generator check: When the engine is running, the voltage at the terminals should be 13.8–14.4 V. If less, the generator does not charge the battery.

If the battery is discharged, but the generator is working, try to “light it” from another car. On Volga 31105 It is important to observe polarity and not confuse “+” with “–”, otherwise you can burn engine control unit (ECU), which on this model is especially sensitive to power surges.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to start Volga 31105 from a tug if the problem is in the battery! On this model gearbox and clutch are not designed such loads can damage the synchronizers.
📊 What have you already checked in your Volga 31105?
Battery
Spark plugs
Fuel pump
Starter
Nothing yet

2. Starter malfunctions: clicks, but does not turn

If when you turn the key you hear single click or series of clicks, but the starter does not turn the engine - that is where the problem lies. On Volga 31105 The starter often fails due to:

  • 🔧 Bendix wear — the gear does not mesh with the flywheel.
  • 🧲 Burnt contacts of the solenoid relay - a common problem after 100 thousand km.
  • 🔋 Winding break — the starter does not respond to turning the key at all.

How to diagnose:

  1. Check does the voltage reach the starter? when turning the key (test the wire from the ignition switch with a multimeter).
  2. If the starter clicks but does not turn - hit it with a hammer (not much!). Sometimes this helps to temporarily restore contact.
  3. Remove the starter and check bendix for play. If it scrolls in both directions, replacement is required.
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Single click, starter does not turn Defective solenoid relay Replacement of relay or starter assembly
The starter turns but does not engage Bendix wear Bendix replacement
Starter does not respond to key Open circuit or malfunction of the ignition switch Wiring test, lock replacement

On Volga 31105 The starter is located inconveniently - to remove it, you have to unscrew several bolts from below. If this is your first time, prepare in advance extended head 13 and a ratchet with a cardan.

☑️ Starter diagnostics on Volga 31105

Done: 0 / 5

3. Problems with the fuel system: pump, filter, injectors

If the starter turns the engine briskly, but Volga 31105 won't start, the problem may lie in lack of fuel or its incorrect supply. The following are especially vulnerable on this model:

  • 🛢️ Fuel pump — often overheats and fails without warning.
  • 🔄 Fuel pressure regulator — may “stick” and not allow gasoline to pass through.
  • 🧹 Clogged fuel filter - on Volga 31105 It is located under the bottom and is easy to forget to change.

How to check:

  1. When you turn on the ignition you should hear the sound of a pump running (buzzing noise under the back seat). If not, check the fuse F3 (15A) and relay K2 in the mounting block.
  2. If the pump works, but no fuel flows - check the rail pressure. Norm for Volgi 31105 — 2.8–3.2 bar.
  3. Remove the fuel hose in front of the ramp and check that is there any gasoline? when the ignition is turned on. Be careful - gasoline is under pressure!

Feature Volgi 31105: if the car was parked for a long time (a month or more), the gasoline in the system could stratify, and injectors clogged with deposits. In this case, flushing the injector with a special liquid (for example, Liqui Moly or Wynn's).

⚠️ Attention: Never use for cleaning injectors. acetone or solvents! They destroy rubber seals and can damage fuel equipment.
How to check fuel rail pressure without a pressure gauge?

If there is no pressure gauge, you can temporarily disconnect the fuel line and direct it into the bottle. When you turn on the ignition, gasoline should spurt out in a strong stream (but this method is inaccurate and dangerous!).

4. Ignition system: spark plugs, coils, wires

If fuel flows but the engine does not catch, the problem may be ignition system. On Volga 31105 often found:

  • ⚡ Broken high-voltage wires - due to aging insulation.
  • 🕯️ Oily or worn spark plugs - especially if the car runs on gas.
  • 🔧 Faulty ignition coil — on 31105 there is only one for all cylinders, and if it fails, the engine will not start.

Diagnostics:

  1. Unscrew the spark plugs and check gap (must be 0.8–0.9 mm). If the spark plugs are wet, this is a sign of fuel overflow or lack of spark.
  2. Check spark: insert the spark plug into the high-voltage wire, place it on the engine and turn it with the starter. There must be a spark bright blue, not faint orange.
  3. If there is no spark at any spark plug, the problem is ignition coil or control module.

On Volga 31105 The ignition coil is located next to the distributor, and its contacts often oxidize. Clean them up alcohol solution and check the integrity of the wire insulation.

💡

If the spark plugs are constantly flooded with gasoline, before starting, press the gas pedal to the floor and crank the starter for 5–10 seconds. This will ventilate the cylinders and make starting easier.

5. Electronics and sensors: why the ECU blocks startup

Modern injection engines, like on Volga 31105, managed electronic unit (ECU). If it receives incorrect data from sensors, it may block launch or put the engine into emergency mode. Most often the culprits are:

  • 📡 Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) - if it is faulty, the ECU does not know when to give a spark.
  • 🌡️ Coolant temperature sensor (DTOZH) - if it fails, the ECU may over-rich the mixture.
  • 💨 Mass air flow sensor (MAF) - if it is dirty, the engine will “choke.”

How to check:

  1. Connect diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327) and check the error codes. On Volga 31105 errors are common P0335 (DPKV) and P0115 (DTOZH).
  2. If there is no scanner, check sensor resistance multimeter:
    • DPKV: 550–750 Ohm.
    • DTOZH: 2–5 kOhm (depends on temperature).
  • Try it disable mass air flow sensor and start the engine. If the car starts, the sensor is faulty.

    • Feature Volgi 31105: if the ECU is “buggy”, sometimes it helps reset adaptations. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes, then connect it back and try to start the car.

    💡

    On the Volga 31105, the ECU is especially sensitive to power surges. If the battery is dead or the alternator is faulty, the unit may reset and prevent starting.

    6. Mechanical problems: timing belt, compression, flywheel

    If all previous checks have failed, it’s worth taking a look. deeper under the hood. On Volga 31105 There are mechanical faults that are not always obvious:

    • 🔗 Broken timing belt - the engine will not start, and the starter will turn “idle”.
    • 🔧 Rotating the crankshaft bearings - rare, but happens with oil starvation.
    • 🌀 Flywheel problems - if the teeth are worn out, the starter will not be able to crank the engine.

    Diagnostics:

    1. Remove timing belt cover and check its integrity. On Volga 31105 the belt serves 60–80 thousand km, but may break earlier due to oil or antifreeze.
    2. Check compression in cylinders. The norm for this engine is 11–13 bar. If one of the cylinders has lower compression 9 bar, this is a sign of worn piston rings or a burnt valve.
    3. If the starter turns, but the engine does not catch, try crank the crankshaft by hand (for the pulley bolt). If it doesn't rotate, it might be engine jammed.

    On Volga 31105 with engine ZMZ-406 when the timing belt breaks valve bends almost always (unlike newer models). If the belt breaks, get ready for a major overhaul.

    7. Additional reasons: from alarms to trivial details

    Sometimes Volga 31105 does not start for reasons that are not obvious on the surface. Here's what else is worth checking:

    • 🚗 Immobilizer or alarm - if they blocked the start, the car will not start even with a working engine.
    • 🔑 Ignition switch - the contacts could be burnt and the starter is not receiving power.
    • 💧 Water in the fuel tank — if the car was parked on the street for a long time, moisture could get into the tank.
    • 🌡️ Fuel freezing - relevant in winter if you refueled with “left-handed” diesel or low-quality gasoline.

    Tips:

    1. If you suspect an immobilizer, try starting the car second key.
    2. Check fuses in the mounting block (especially F1, F3, F10).
    3. If the car does not start after washing, it may be Water got into the distributor or ignition coil. Dry them with a hairdryer.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the launch of Volga 31105

    The car does not start after replacing the battery. What's the matter?

    On Volga 31105 after replacing the battery it may reset throttle adaptation. To reset the error, follow these steps:

    1. Turn on the ignition for 10 seconds.
    2. Turn off the ignition for 10 seconds.
    3. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
    4. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes.
    The starter turns, but the engine does not catch. What to do?

    The reasons may be the following (in order of verification):

    1. There is no fuel in the tank (yes, it happens!).
    2. Fuel pump does not work (check fuse and relay).
    3. The injectors or fuel filter are clogged.
    4. No spark (check spark plugs, coil, DPKV).
    5. No compression in the cylinders (engine wear).

    Start with the simplest thing - checking the presence of gasoline and the operation of the pump.

    After a long period of inactivity, the Volga 31105 will not start. How to "reanimate"?

    If the car has been parked for more than a month:

    1. Check battery charge — most likely it was discharged.
    2. Drain the old fuel - gasoline loses its octane number within six months.
    3. Flush the fuel system (especially if the tank was not full - condensation could form).
    4. Check engine oil - if it thickens, the crankshaft will not turn.
    5. If the engine does not turn over, it may be piston jammed due to corrosion.
    Is it possible to start the Volga 31105 from a pusher?

    Technically possible, but highly not recommended! On this model:

    • High risk damage the gearbox (especially if the oil is old).
    • If the problem is broken timing belt, pushrod starting may bend the valves.
    • If faulty generator or battery, after starting the car will stall.

    It's better to call a tow truck or try to light a cigarette.

    What kind of oil should I fill in the Volga 31105 to avoid starting problems in winter?

    For ZMZ-406 (gasoline) and ZMZ-405 (injector) recommended:

    • 5W-40 or 5W-30 - for regions with frosts below -25°C.
    • 10W-40 - for temperate climates.
    • Use semi-synthetic or synthetic (for example, Lukoil Luxe, Rosneft Maximum).

    You need to change the oil every 8–10 thousand km, since on Volga 31105 the engine operates under high loads.